The invention relates to a sliding element consisting of a copper-zinc alloy containing the following components (in % by weight): 60.0 to 64.0% Cu, 0.2 to 0.5% Si, 0.6 to 1.2% Fe, optionally also up to a maximum 1.5% Sn, optionally also up to a maximum 0.25% Pb, optionally also up to a maximum 0.08% P, the remainder being Zn and unavoidable impurities. The copper-zinc alloy has a grain structure consisting of an α- and β-phase with a volume content of the α-Phase of at least 90%, and iron silicides are embedded in the grain structure.